I bought a new book for my birthday, The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake and I'm loving every page - full of delicious insight into Paris' two master designers,YSLet Karl during the wild 70's.

Who knew they were once chums?

'As adolescents, the Algerian-born Saint Laurent and the German-born Lagerfeld studied at a Paris trade school for couturiers, where, in 1954, they each won prizes in an international fashion competition. By taking both first and third place in the dress design category, the 18-year-old Saint Laurent outshone his friend Lagerfeld, who was three years his senior. Before long, Saint Laurent was designing for couture’s undisputed master, Christian Dior, while Lagerfeld toiled in obscurity at lesser houses.'

Your breakfasts just keep getting better and better....it makes me happy that someone seems to enjoy their 'work' as much as you do...And to answer your question about walking in the french vs american girls shoes, I think you are right, and for many reasons. I appreciate much of what we have here, but honestly, I think life was fuller and more of what I enjoy, when I lived in Paris....

anyway, you may have the best of all worlds! hope you indulged in at least one macaron yesterday!

Dear Carol, I really want to wish you a very Happy Birthday, and may the best of everything in life cross your way, you deserve it!You always keep us laughing and smiling with every wonderful post you write. I think we readers are getting the biggest present every day, when we read your blog. Now, go out to celebrate with a pair of high heels, red lipstick and a mini skirt. Just for one day, pretend you are a French girl, just for fun!xoxo

Carol -- Wishing you all the best for your b-day! (And thanks for mentioning that YSL/Lagerfeld; I want some juicy reads for my upcoming beach holiday, and that book will most definitely do!) XOMichael

Talk about Accomplished Women, I think you are one of them. You have accomplished success with your beautiful artwork and entertaining blog. Your work brightens my day, M-Fri. Happy B.D. and can you talk about the Longchamps Pliage bags French girl obsession sometime?

Thanks for the great tip about "beautiful fall". I'm afraid I'm a lapsed reader, so don't even stick my nose in the Times book reviews anymore but this one I'll be getting and taking on holiday with me. (To Paris - shhhh! noone else knows!) YSL hum-hum. ok. but Lagerfeld. He is a Genius God walking on earth if anyones' asking me! Have you seen the docu on him? Kinda cool! It was on the Sundance channel. xoxo

Mlle Paradis-but when you go to Paris you MUST see the YSL exhibit!!and the book is quite historical about both of their contributions and perspectives on Parisien couture.they each play a particular role and very important it is too.you'll love it I promise.To quote an interview with author Drake, 'I have written this book as the story of two characters, two geniuses, two careers that touch the same object. This is not a scandalous book or some kind of investigative journalism.'

I look forward each day to your delightful daily post. You bring so much beauty, joy and fun to my life, and I wish you the same on your birthday. You're posts are so down to earth, that I feel that I know you!

Happy Birthday, Carol! I hope you've had a special day. I ate my first macaron the other day in your honor! I was at a "PAUL" outside of Miami and had to try one. Thanks to you educating me via PB, you had me dying to try one and it was quite good. I was thinking of you! xx

Happy Birthday! Hot dogs are lovely things (not pretty but tasty.) Hope you had a good day! American girls can dress up too - the Met is close to Central Park, now I'm sure there are athletic French girls too!

Happy Birthday, Carol!I thought I would take this opportunity to let you know how much fun I have everytime I come to read your blog. You have also introduced me to the macarons! which I've never tasted (shock horror) and I've never been to Paris either (please don't faint).

Happy Birthday! It's my birthday, too! As I live in Paris, I indulged in one of my favorite desserts - moelleux au chocolat - although I realize I should have also added a macaron or two to the mix, after seeing your blog. Well, there's always today. I hope you can spend your next birthday in Paris!

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE video, I thoroughly enjoyed watching that and seeing women evolve over the years! MY BFF and I always say though that we were born in the wrong era. Women were so elegant back before the 50's. They took pride in being a woman! Now, they walk out the door as if they just got out of bed, I think many of them do just that. You don't need to dress up, but at least have some pride in being a woman. That's my opinion.Are they still having this at the MET? Please contact me if they are, I'll be in NYC next week.MCB

ParisBreakfast Letters

♥carol gillott♥

l'Ile Saint Louis, Paris, Ile de France, France

Hi I'm Carol Gillott,
My Mom taught me watercolors at 5. I'm still at it on l'Ile Saint-Louis In Paris. Subscribe to my watercolor Paris letters and maps on Etsy and enjoy a Parisian souvenir in your mailbox every month. Savor with a hot chocolate and croissant.
I paint Paris dreams.